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Abstract

Turkey is an intermediate endemic area for hepatitis B virus infection. The study investigated the hepatitis B exposure risk and prevalence of hepatitis B infection in a group of workers of no known occupational exposure. The prevalence of seropositivity for hepatitis B surface antigen [‎HBsAg]‎, hepatitis B surface antibody [‎anti- HBs]‎ and hepatitis B core antibody [‎anti- HBc]‎ were 6.6%, 29.9%, and 50.6% respectively. Hepatitis B infection rates were also high in the families of HBsAg- positive workers; 73.7% of family members were positive for HBsAg, anti- HBs or anti- HBc. Risk factors included ever having an injection by an unqualified practitioner [‎14.6%]‎ and ever having unprotected extramarital intercourse [‎62.5%]‎